Frog (fastening)
Encyclopedia
A frog is an ornamental
braiding for fastening the front of a garment that consists of a button
and a loop through which it passes.
The usual purpose of frogs is to provide a closure for a garment while decorating it at the same time. These frogs are usually used on garments that appear oriental in design. Tops with a mandarin collar
often use frogs at the shoulder and down the front to keep the two sections of the front closed. Frogs are usually meant to be a design detail that "stands out".
Many sewers make their own because supplies are inexpensive and the results are customizable. Using larger or smaller size cording or fabric tubes will result in larger and smaller frogs. Also, self-fabric
can be used to create frogs that are the same color as the garment, though frogs are usually chosen to be a contrasting color to that of the garment.
Frogs are made by looping and interlocking the cording or fabric tube into the desired design, then securing the places where the cords touch by hand-sewing
. The frog is then stitched onto a garment, usually by hand. When a fabric tube is used, the fabric is cut on bias
. This allows the fabric tube to remain smooth and flex easily when bent into curves.
Ornamental
Ornamental may refer to:*Ornamental grass, a type of grass grown as a decoration*Ornamental iron, mild steel that has been formed into decorative shapes, similar to wrought iron work*Ornamental plant, a plant that is grown for its ornamental qualities...
braiding for fastening the front of a garment that consists of a button
Button
In modern clothing and fashion design, a button is a small fastener, most commonly made of plastic, but also frequently of seashell, which secures two pieces of fabric together. In archaeology, a button can be a significant artifact. In the applied arts and in craft, a button can be an example of...
and a loop through which it passes.
The usual purpose of frogs is to provide a closure for a garment while decorating it at the same time. These frogs are usually used on garments that appear oriental in design. Tops with a mandarin collar
Mandarin collar
A mandarin collar is a short unfolded stand-up collar style on a shirt or jacket. Mandarin collars start at the neckline and typically rise vertically two to five centimeters. The style originated from Western interpretation of dresses worn by Mandarins in Imperial China.The length along a...
often use frogs at the shoulder and down the front to keep the two sections of the front closed. Frogs are usually meant to be a design detail that "stands out".
Many sewers make their own because supplies are inexpensive and the results are customizable. Using larger or smaller size cording or fabric tubes will result in larger and smaller frogs. Also, self-fabric
Self-fabric
Self-fabric is a term used in sewing. It refers to a fabric piece or embellishment made from the same fabric as the main fabric, as opposed to contrast fabric....
can be used to create frogs that are the same color as the garment, though frogs are usually chosen to be a contrasting color to that of the garment.
Frogs are made by looping and interlocking the cording or fabric tube into the desired design, then securing the places where the cords touch by hand-sewing
Sewing
Sewing is the craft of fastening or attaching objects using stitches made with a needle and thread. Sewing is one of the oldest of the textile arts, arising in the Paleolithic era...
. The frog is then stitched onto a garment, usually by hand. When a fabric tube is used, the fabric is cut on bias
Bias (textile)
The bias or cross-grain direction of a piece of woven fabric, usually referred to simply as "the bias" or "the cross-grain", is at 45 degrees to its warp and weft threads. Every piece of woven fabric has two biases, perpendicular to each other...
. This allows the fabric tube to remain smooth and flex easily when bent into curves.